November 11, 1908.
Referring to the work done by the Michigan Branch of the American
National Red Cross towards raising funds and the handling of
contributions for the fire sufferers in northern Michigan, I beg to
report results accomplished as follows:
Total amount of cash contributions received to date has been $4,432.
Regarding the handling of clothes, supplies, etc., I beg to give you
herewith a copy of the report presented by Mrs. R. McD. Campau, who had
charge of the receiving and forwarding of all supplies.
“From October 19th to and including October 26th, a ‘Relief Station’
was opened in the Owen Building, in a room donated for that purpose.
During that time many contributions of clothing, furniture and some money
were received. Many merchants contributed largely and also assisted
in collecting individual contributions, there being five hundred and
seventy requests by telephone to call for donations. It was impossible to
keep account of all these donations, as they came in in such quantities
and many had no names attached. Fifteen people worked every day during
the week from eight in the morning till five in the afternoon, opening
packages, sorting, packing, marking and shipping boxes. Each box was
marked with the contents. There being one hundred and sixteen in all,
a great deal of furniture and $210.75 sent from the Red Cross Relief
Station to the fire sufferers in northern Michigan.”
I can report that a sufficient amount of clothing and other household
articles has been forwarded to the district to provide for the needs
of all the fire sufferers, and with the money raised by the Citizens’
Committee of Detroit and other cities of the State, together with the
amount raised by the Michigan Branch of the Red Cross, sufficient food
and fodder for the cattle and horses can be provided to take care of all
requirements up to the middle of the winter. When the State Legislature
meets they will, no doubt, provide the extra funds that may be needed.